Gemotions

John felt a coldness wash over him as he read the invitation. He’d been enjoying a rare moment of peace, reading in his favorite armchair. The paper crinkled in his hand, a sound that seemed abnormally loud. He stared, unblinking, at the elegant script.

He stood up, pacing the room. His hands were clammy. He felt a physical unease, a jitteriness he hadn’t experienced in years. He abruptly stopped pacing, planted his feet firmly on the floor and took a deep breath. Then he sat back down and tried to resume reading.